A new law firm focusing on defending doctors, hospitals and nursing homes in medical professional liability claims has been established.

Based in Central Pennsylvania, Saxton & Stump was launched by James Saxton and Christopher Stump, two local attorneys who have been practicing together for more than 25 years.

Saxton will serve as chief executive officer, while Stump will serve as the chief operating officer (COO). For the past 17 years, Saxton and Stump have been practicing health care law at Stevens & Lee, named among the largest 200 firms in the country.

The law firm will also provide risk mitigation and safety consulting services to health care professionals.

It currently employs 40 professionals including sixteen lawyers, five paralegals, five doctors and six nurses, in addition to health care consultants, strategy and development staff.

"Saxton & Stump represents a new and unique business model dedicated to the changing and often challenging needs of the health care community," said Saxton.

"By assembling an exceptional team of litigators, paralegals, doctors, nurses and consultants all focusing on defense litigation, risk management, patient safety and quality assurance work, our firm is not only well positioned to defend health care professionals but can also help clients reduce litigation through innovative risk management strategies,” he added.